outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

a

: a loud cry : clamor

b

: a vehement protest

There was a public outcry over his comments.

2

: auction

Synonyms of outcry

• roar
• noise
• howl

Examples of outcry in a Sentence

They were surprised by the outcry against the casino proposal.

There was a lot of public outcry over his racial comments.

Recent Examples on the Web

The public outcry prompted an investigation by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, which has received more than two dozen complaints. — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026

After an outcry, the organization allowed some permits to be renewed. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

The latter decision was reversed after a loud outcry from the WGA — and no wonder because television is truly a writers medium if ever there was one. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 July 2026

Within the past week, three people have been killed, leading to an international outcry, roiling a key Senate race and raising concern among civil liberties experts that armed immigration agents continue to operate in America with impunity. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outcry

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

outcry

noun

out·​cry ˈau̇t-ˌkrī 

1

: a loud cry : clamor

2

: a strong protest